We’ve all been there – enjoying a delicious BBQ chicken feast and ending up with some delectable leftovers. But when it comes to reheating BBQ chicken, many of us worry about losing its flavor and ending up with dry, rotten meat.
However, fear not! With the magic of the air fryer, reheating chicken is easy and ensures that you retain the moisture and flavors of the original dish.
In this article, we will help you through the steps to perfectly reheat BBQ chicken in an air fryer, ensuring every bite is as delightful as the first time.
Why Use an Air Fryer to Reheat BBQ Chicken?
Before we dive into the reheating process, let’s briefly discuss why an air fryer is an ideal choice for this task. Air fryers are known for rapidly circulating hot air, making them perfect for achieving crispy and evenly cooked food without excess oil.
When reheating BBQ chicken, the air fryer’s hot air circulation ensures that the chicken gets reheated thoroughly from all sides, preventing any sogginess that may occur with traditional reheating methods like microwaving.
This way, your BBQ chicken will retain its crispy skin and succulent interior, like fresh off the grill.
Reheating BBQ Chicken in the Air Fryer:
To begin the reheating process, follow these simple steps to savor the deliciousness of your BBQ chicken once again:
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by warming your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that the chicken reheats quickly and evenly without risking undercooking or overcooking. Preheating the air fryer is essential to achieve the best results.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the air fryer is preheating, take your leftover BBQ chicken out of the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 10-15 minutes. Letting the chicken to room temperature will help it reheat more quickly and evenly.
Step 3: Arrange the Chicken in the Basket
Once the air fryer has preheated, place the leftover BBQ chicken in the air fryer basket or multi layer rack. To ensure even reheating, avoid overcrowding the basket. If needed, reheat the chicken in batches. Remember, the goal is to have hot air circulate each piece of chicken for even cooking.
Step 4: Reheat the Chicken
Established the air fryer to cook at 375°F (190°C) and reheat the chicken for 3-4 minutes. Flipping the chicken halfway through the reheating process is important to ensure both sides are evenly heated. This step prevents one side from becoming overly crispy while the other remains undercooked.
Step 5: Check for Desired Results
After 3-4 minutes of reheating, check the chicken to see if it has reached the desired temperature. If the chicken needs additional time to heat through completely, you can continue reheating for another 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the chicken to avoid drying it out.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the BBQ chicken is reheated to perfection, carefully take it away from the air fryer basket and place it on a serving plate. Garnish with fresh herbs or drizzle with some barbecue sauce for extra flavor. Your reheated BBQ chicken is ready to be enjoyed – tender, moist, and just as delicious as when freshly prepared!
Tips for the Best Reheated BBQ Chicken:
1. Store the Leftovers Properly:
To ensure the best results when reheating, properly store your leftover BBQ chicken in an airtight ampule in the refrigerator. This prevents the chicken from drying out and preserves its flavor.
2. Use a Meat Thermometer:
If unsure about the chicken’s internal temperature, check if it has reached a safe inner temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures that the chicken is fully reheated and safe to eat.
3. Avoid Overheating:
To prevent the chicken from drying, avoid overheating it in the air fryer. Keep a close eye on the reheating process and remove the chicken when it reaches the desired temperature.
4. Experiment with Sauces:
To add extra flavor to your reheated BBQ chicken, consider experimenting with different sauces or marinades. Brushing the chicken with barbecue sauce or your favorite marinade before reheating can enhance its taste and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How do you reheat BBQ chicken in an air fryer?
To reheat BBQ chicken in an air fryer, warm up the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place the leftover chicken in the basket without overcrowding, and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through for even heating.
How do you reheat BBQ chicken without drying it out?
To prevent drying out, reheat BBQ chicken in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-4 minutes, ensuring the chicken is not overcooked. Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before reheating for even results.
How long does it take to reheat BBQ in an air fryer?
The reheating time for BBQ chicken in an air fryer is approximately 3-4 minutes at 375°F (190°C). Adjust the time as needed based on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
How do you reheat BBQ chicken drumsticks in an air fryer?
To reheat BBQ chicken drumsticks, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place the drumsticks in the basket without overcrowding, and cook for about 3-4 minutes, flipping halfway through for even reheating.
Bottom Line
With the help of a multifunctional air fryer, reheating BBQ chicken to perfection is a breeze. You can enjoy your delicious BBQ chicken leftovers with all the original flavors and moisture intact by ensuring these simple steps.
The hot air circulation in the air fryer ensures even reheating, preserving the chicken’s crispy skin and succulent interior.
So, next time you have some BBQ chicken leftovers, don’t hesitate to use your air fryer to bring the dish back to life for a delightful meal all over again!
Isla Zoey is the Owner and Author of Air Fryer Mag, She love to use, test and write about the Air fryers.